Master of Counselling
MCouns
Duration
2–4 years full-time
Entry times
February (Semester 1)
Fees Estimate
Scholarships
Download Brochure
Duration
2–4 years full-time
Entry times
February (Semester 1)
Fees Estimate
Scholarships
Download Brochure
Overview
The Master of Counselling is the only master's counselling degree in Te Waipounamu the South Island. This Master's is designed to give students the opportunity to extend their theoretical grounding and professional skills to work as counsellors in a variety of settings. Students are trained to identify systematic, effective ways to help clients find simple, acceptable solutions to their current concerns and problems.
The MCouns consists of 240 points of study, taken as a combination of practical and theory courses.
Normally the minimum requirement is a three-year bachelor’s degree from an Aotearoa New Zealand university, or a qualification or combination of qualifications considered to be equivalent. If you gained your qualifications overseas, these will need to be assessed to make sure they are of an equivalent standard.
You are also required to meet UC's English language requirements.
Specific entry requirements
Candidates wishing to enrol in the MCouns must have qualified for one of the following:
- a degree in Aotearoa New Zealand with either acquired experience in counselling, teaching, nursing, social work, or an equivalent profession, or been deemed suitable for training as a counsellor, or
- been admitted ad eundem statum to enrol for the Master of Counselling, or
- been approved as a candidate by the Dean of Education and Health Sciences.
Selection will be based on academic attainment and other criteria, which will include an interview for admission to the professional counselling practice course (COUN 675 Professional Counselling Practice I). The relevance and standard of previous studies and any subsequent professional work experience are the main criteria of approval. Students will normally be expected to have at least a B grade average in their 300-level courses. Students must also be vetted by police.
To apply, students should will need to complete an application form – see 'How to Apply' below.
For the full entry requirements see the Regulations for the Master of Counselling or use the admission requirements checker.
How to apply
Entry to the Counselling programme is limited – applications close 1 October.
See the Counselling application process for details of entry requirements, application forms, and start dates.
Find out more about how to apply for graduate and postgraduate qualifications.
The MCouns consists of two parts: Part I includes five compulsory courses, one optional course, and one research course; and Part II a practical course and a research course. See the School of Health Sciences | Te Kura Mātai Hauora website for more course details.
The minimum period of enrolment for a full-time candidate is 2 consecutive years; the maximum period is 4 years. The minimum period of enrolment for a part-time candidate is 4 consecutive years; the maximum period is 6 years.
Postgraduate study can bring many career benefits eg, specialist skills and enhanced knowledge, entry into specific occupations, higher starting salary/progression rates, research capability/achievement, and evidence of high academic attainment/self-discipline.
Useful information:
- Read what other UC postgraduate students have gone on to achieve in their studies and careers in our student and graduate profiles.
- Our Careers, Internships & Employment team can help you to achieve the career you want, connect with employers or find a job.
- For research into career destinations by qualification, visit the Universities New Zealand website.
- Find out more about what you can do with a degree from UC.
- Come along to an upcoming information event for prospective postgraduate students.
See Tuition Fee Structure for more information
| Year | Points | Info | Fees (NZD) |
| 2019 | 240 | Banded Fee - total tuition fee dependent on course selection | $16,534 |
| Year | Points | Info | Fees (NZD) |
| 2019 | 240 | Special (Set) Programme Fee | $73,200 |
Contact us
For full requirements see the Regulations for the Master of Counselling.
For study planning help contact the School of Health Sciences | Te Kura Mātai Hauora or the College of Education, Health and Human Development:
College of Education, Health and Human Development | Te Rāngai Ako me te Hauora
University of Canterbury | Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha
Private Bag 4800
Christchurch 8140
New Zealand
Phone +64 3 369 3333
Email educationadvice@canterbury.ac.nz